Day 28: I Haven't Been in School for 252 Days.

School. 252 Days. Dang.😑

Something people look forward to leaving, but something I completely forgot about and missed terribly, but will never openly admit.

I was gone for what feels like a long, long time because I took an offer that would be good for me, and it was definitely amazing, but when I left the life I had behind, I thought I would return and pick up right where I left off. Spoiler: That definitely did not happen.

Well, time does not stop when you are gone. The hands keep ticking, counting every little second, measuring every instance of happiness, pain, joy, tears, laughter, anger, and frustration.

This is what has caused me so much anxiety recently. I feel like I have missed out on so much that has happened that I am very behind my time and therefore am falling behind.

I am just hoping that as the semester begins to move on a little more, these feelings change a little. I want to be on top of everything, but my motivations have shifted since experiencing the real world, where pain and darkness makes its presence very known.

On a more positive note though, my friends have not changed. They are all still magnificent and wonderful people, and I love all of them dearly. Well... most of them, haha! Be very mindful of surrounding yourself with people that care about you and your success.

Of course, you have your parents, but to hear your peers be proud of you is a completely different feeling because it is genuine human pride and humility speaking out. We lack much of this these days and I encourage you, my readers, to be mindful of it. Jealousy and frustration will not take you anywhere. It will leave you on the cold earth, alone and hungry for attention.

You might have some friends that were gone for longer than just the summer and feel like me: out of place and missing a lot. Please, I challenge you to be proud of what they have done and make them feel welcome. Encourage them to join your group again and remember them for who they are and the wonderful person they can be again if just given the chance. 😊

Good luck to all of you this year and a HUGE shout out to the seniors for making it this far! Focus on the endgame, y'all got this!